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Thanks to the rapid development of imaging methods, diseases can now be detected and diagnosed earlier and more accurately than ever before. “It is great to be involved in the development and introduction of new technology to benefit patients,” says Professor of Clinical Radiology Juhana Hakumäki.

For instance, entirely new treatments are emerging for brain diseases, and advances in brain imaging make it possible to initiate these treatments as early as possible – and for the right patients.

Radiology is a medical specialty that focuses on the study and diagnostics of diseases using various imaging methods, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray and computed tomography (CT). “The work of a radiologist also includes imaging-assisted interventions, such as taking tissue samples or removing blood clots. We collaborate with almost all other specialties and that, in a way, puts us at the core of modern medicine.”

Hakumäki has held the clinical radiology professorship at the 91���� on a fixed-term basis since 2021, and permanently since last autumn. He also serves as a Chief Physician in Clinical Radiology at Kuopio University Hospital, KUH.

From research to practice

Hakumäki’s research is focused on the development of next-generation diagnostics that utilise CT and MRI imaging. “There are no truly novel, clinically applicable imaging modalities on the horizon, but existing methods are being actively developed further. As images are getting better and better, we also need new ways to process the information they give us.”

In particular, his research pertains to the imaging of structural and functional changes taking place in the brain in neurodegenerative diseases. “Imaging is, essentially, the only way to study the living human brain, and the goal is to determine, in increasing detail, the functional couplings between different brain regions and the microstructural changes taking place in various diseases.”

Collaboration in methodological development is close with the university’s imaging unit and especially with Professor Olli Gröhn’s research group. “Kuopio is the only place in Finland where comprehensive clinical and experimental MRI research is being conducted.”

R&D related to a cone-beam CT scanner capable of full-body weight-bearing imaging is currently underway with the Finnish imaging equipment manufacturer Planmed Oy. It is expected to improve the diagnostics of musculoskeletal diseases, among other things. “There are only two of these devices in the world, and one of them is now being tested and validated for clinical use at KUH."

For Hakumäki, it has been rewarding to see how research results are being translated into clinical practice. “At KUH, for example, we included diffusion imaging in almost all magnetic resonance imaging with only a few years’ delay after its added benefit was demonstrated by research, including my own.”

“It is also important to develop methods in collaboration with referring physicians, so that the new methods support patient care as well as possible.”

AI analysis first enters the realm of X-ray images

For decades, radiological studies were based solely on X-ray images. It wasn’t until the latter part of the last millennium that ultrasound, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revolutionised the field. “In the 2000s, we moved to digital images, and one important step forward is the efficient analysis of ever-growing imaging data using AI and algorithms.”

The number of radiologists in hospitals does not grow as quickly as the number of images to be analysed, so AI is emerging as a tool to speed up and supplement image analysis. “This is particularly true for traditional X-ray images, because teaching AI requires a vast amount of imaging material and the method is already established in this area, unlike in the constantly evolving MRI and CT studies.”

At KUH, the diagnostic accuracy of a chest X-ray analysis software is currently being studied, i.e., how well it recognises, for example, pneumonia or heart failure. “In a best-case scenario and if the image is deemed normal without pathological findings, the emergency room physician or general practitioner could receive an automated radiology report immediately after the X-ray is taken.”

Besides overseeing specialisation education and professional development programmes in radiology, Hakumäki is also responsible for basic radiology education for medical students, and he plans to share his experiences of image analysis software with students. “It is important to get a feel for this already during studies, because students will certainly encounter AI as they move on to practice medicine.”

In his role, he finds it important to ensure that Kuopio maintains good preconditions for the development, research and education of radiology also in the future. “Even in the current economic situation, the wellbeing services county should not lose sight of future investments and funding for equipment, nor of the facilities required by them.”

Juhana Hakumäki will deliver his inaugural lecture in Finnish, titled Radiology today - from grayscale images to colour and depicting function, on the Kuopio Campus of the 91���� on 21 May 2025. The inaugural lectures can also be followed online. Event programme

Juhana Hakumäki

Professor of Clinical Radiology, 91���� 2021–2024 (fixed term) and 1 October 2024–

• Lic. Med., University of Kuopio 1995
• MD, University of Kuopio 1999
• Title of Docent in Biomedical NMR, University of Kuopio 2003
• Radiology Specialist, University of Kuopio 2009
• Professional Development Programme in Neuroradiology, 91���� 2012

Key roles:

• Chief Physician in Clinical Radiology, KUH 2021–
• Principal Advisor, Finnorad Ltd. 2021–
• Chief Physician and Imaging Director, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, 2017–2021
• Director of Medical Imaging Centre, KUH 2012–2017
• Radiologist-in-Chief, KUH 2010–2012
• Radiology Resident and Staff Radiologist, KUH 2005–2009